From Therapy to Tech: Unusual Music Careers

This list of 75 paths for musicians spans education, therapy, technology, performance, and spiritual work. Each one reflects a different way music can show up in our lives and livelihoods.

I’ve assembled this list out of many years of life experience and observation. This isn’t the kind of list that comes from a couple of hours of internet research! I’ve tried some of these options myself and I’ve witnessed many musicians practicing others.

If you’re wondering where your yearning for music might lead you, I hope you’ll find some ideas and inspiration here.

The possibilities go way beyond “classical or pop music?” or “what instrument do you play?” Each item on the list uses a different range of skills and talents. You’ll find some unusual music careers here.

Is it a hobby or hustle?

I’ve assembled this list with the intention of stimulating some creative thinking.

Some items could equally be music-related hobbies. For more, read my post about the complicated relationship of music and money.

But you’ll probably still need to engage with some aspects of self-employment, to deal with expenses, venues and other practicalities. How music business models work will depend on the music genre and the tax system of the country you’re resident in.

Even music teaching has many more possibilities than a few decades ago. That’s why I’ve included it in at least 14 items on this list. Maybe there’s some overlap. But each kind of teaching is a specialty in its own right.

Which items draw your attention? What feels interesting?

Music through life’s seasons

As life changes, so can our relationship with music. Touring with a band might be off the table when you have young children—but that same stage of life can open up new musical avenues.

When my kids were small, sharing in their early learning sparked some unexpected musical experiences, including collaborations with other parents.

For another example: Many musicians (but not all!) reach a point when playing music at midnight just doesn’t seem fun anymore, especially not the next day. You can set boundaries about what time you play. I know some successful rock/pop musicians who start playing no later than 8pm.

75 Music Opportunities — Organized by Category

Different Kinds of Music Teaching & Education

1. Music teaching – in person

2. Music teaching – online

3. Group teaching

4. Individual lessons

5. Teaching adults

6. Teaching children

7. Teaching instruments in schools

8. Teaching music as a subject, in schools

9. Teaching at tertiary level

10. Music in early childhood centres – daycare and kindergarten

11. Music pedagogy specialties (e.g. Orff Schulwerk, Kodály, Suzuki)

12. Workshops – in person and online

13. Courses – in person and online

14. Membership platforms

Performance & Creation

15. Performing

16. Busking

17. Songwriting

18. Lyricist

19. Composer

20. Musicals – directing, performing, etc

21. Music for plays

22. Music for ceremonies and celebrations

23. Music for dance events of many kinds

24. Music for film, TV, video, and marketing

25. Directing and producing music videos

Instruments & Gear

26. Music shop work

27. Online music supplies

28. Instrument repairs

29. Instrument making

30. Instrument sales

31. Instrument hiring

Business, Marketing & Management

32. Music-related businesses – traditional and innovative

33. Music publishing company

34. Musician and group management

35. Event management

36. Arts funding organizations / non-profits

37. Music venue management

38. Music promotional/marketing skills

39. Music plus business skills (e.g. financial management)

40. Music plus law – copyright, publishing systems, advocacy.

Sound Engineering & Technology

41. Sound engineering for live events

42. Recording / producing

43. Developing music software or platforms

44. Designing venues for sound (music + architecture)

Media, Writing & Research

45. Photographing musicians and events

46. Music journalism

47. Online content writing

48. Books and publishing

49. Ethnographic and social music research

50. Music history research

Different Kinds of Music Therapies

If you’re interested in the healing/ therapy path, here’s my post outlining the field of music and healing.

51. Music therapy (qualified and registered)

52. Expressive music therapies

53. Music for mental health clients (individuals and groups)

54. Modalities like the Bonny Method

55. Music for special needs populations

56. Music for dementia care

57. Music in hospices / thanatology

58. Rhythm therapy

Life Stages & Family

59. Music for young babies and caregivers

60. Antenatal and birth music

61. Family-centered music experiences

62. Music for older adults

Spirituality, Healing & Community

63. Sound healing

64. Music for meditation

65. Music for plant medicine ceremonies

66. Music for shamanic/animist journeying

67. Music for religious and spiritual events

68. Music of traditional cultures

69. Music in trauma healing

70. Healing modalities for musicians (e.g. Alexander Technique)

71. Community music leading and facilitation

72. Singing teachers – individuals and groups

73. Singing workshops

74. Choirs, choruses, and vocal leadership

75. Drumming groups

Are you listening?

How does this land? How many of these music-related opportunities have you experienced? Do you know of some that I haven’t listed here?

Each of us has to find our own relationship with music. Some of these opportunities will be right for you. And some won’t.

Here’s what I know for sure:

Music is a powerful energy shifting medium. Every single soul-driven musician has a unique role to play in creating positive change in the world. Including you.

When folks with music in their soul are getting burned out and discouraged, there’s something going astray.

And I love to help with that. Because I’ve been there. More than once.

For some more on this, including tips on getting started, read my post on rekindling your musical passion.

Would you like to stay in touch?

Join my email list and I’ll send you a copy of my ebook, 12 Creativity Hacks for Musicians.

It’s full of my favourite tips for regaining your feeling of playfulness.

Here’s where you sign up: 12 Creativity Hacks for Musicians.